This brush, along with my MAC 187, are my favorite brushes for applying the finishing touch of powder to set my foundation (to only those oily areas). I <3 them equally!! Both are extremely soft and airy. But the Ecotools Finishing Kabuki covers more ground so to speak. This one would be perfect for applying a powder highlighter as well. I use Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (for oily skin) to clean all of my brushes, and have not noticed any shedding with this one. So happy I found this gem!